Questions about making snus plus ramblings

[Toolandiemaker]

From what I've been able to gather from this forum and other places the ingredients are tobacco, salt, sodium carbonate and flavorings of different types. The process is grinding the tobacco, adding salt, cooking, and adding sodium carbonate and whatever flavoring, then allowing it to age in refrigeration.

My questions are
What types of tobacco are used, specifically what would produce snus that is reasonably similar to general white? I know nothing about what works and most importantly where to get it. There are so many options on the variety and "curing" method I don't have any idea on where to start. The only local sources of tobacco I have locally are pipe/cigarette tobacco which I assume is not what I want.

How long would a batch of homemade snus last assuming it was made properly? I'm thinking I could use the method of alkalizing before cooking an do it in canning jars and keep them in storage for future use just like any other home canned item. I've got lots of experience canning food.

I've been having a difficult time finding general white or original, it's always been kinda scarce but in the last 2 weeks it's been really hard to find. I read that the FDA has put out an alert for the importation on several swedish snus brands back in January, I don't know if snus will be available. I tried zyn an don't like it, I think I'll switch to making it.

 

[deluxestogie]

Have a look at this discussion on the sequence of the process of making snus:

Thoughts on Pre Alkalizing snus Before cook.

Anyone have any thoughts on what's the difference between alkalizing snus before the cook or after the cook? I stumbled across a Reddit post where the person said he always alkalizes his snus before pasturizing. Most recipes in the snuff snus and chew book say to alkalize after cooking. But...

fairtradetobacco.com

The best source for purchasing whole leaf tobacco is located in Akron:

Whole Leaf Tobacco | Premium 100% Unprocessed

Shop premium, unprocessed whole leaf tobacco – carefully sourced, expertly cured, and shipped fast.

wholeleaftobacco.com

(or click on their link in the menu bar)

Bob

 

[Toolandiemaker]

Thank you, it seems that nearly any type of unprocessed tobacco can be used but, many recipes use "burley" or "Virginia" or some combination.

I think I'll just have to experiment to find something sorta close to general.

 

[deluxestogie]

You might consider experimenting with some of the posted snus blends, without regard to attempting to duplicate a commercial product. I suspect that you will find your own special blend that you like better.

Bob